LAYOUT & DESIGN FOR CALLIGRAPHERS AND LETTERING ARTISTS
with Mike Gold

A pre-recorded, self-paced course with unlimited access

[This is a pre-recorded version of the original class. Please note that there is no teacher feedback for this version.]

Even though Mike breaks rules, he knows that, as Picasso has said, that you have to learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist. He also believes that in order to be a good calligrapher or lettering artist you need to know layout and design principles. Ross George, who originated the Speedball Textbook, says “even good lettering, correctly spaced, is ineffective if poorly arranged.” That is why composition is part of every workshop Mike teaches. Whether you plan out your creations or work spontaneously, knowing the how’s and why’s of design and layout will make you a better artist.

This class was designed for lettering artists and calligraphers, so letters will be a primary focus. It’s also designed for all levels and all types of lettering artists, whether you do traditional or non-traditional art, readable or abstract art, pointed or broad edge pen, brush, drawn or digital lettering.

These are just a few of the things that will be covered in the course

the elements and principals of design
how to design a layout
types of compositions
special layout concerns for lettering artists
treating letters as line, shape and form
asymmetrical and centered layouts
literal and abstract designs
shapes, color and texture
creating broadsides
breaking the rules
planned verses spontaneous approaches
thumbnails to finished design

Mike Gold

Mike has worked as a commercial lettering designer for more than 35 years, mostly at American Greetings, the world's second largest greeting card producer. But his real passion is exploring the corridors of calligraphy that have been less traveled, the path where words and letters are design elements with which to play with line, shape and form, where creating a visual statement is more important than writing a readable text.